How to Identify an Internal Pivot Attack Using Log Data
Internal pivot attacks occur when attackers move laterally within a network after gaining initial access. Detecting such activity requires monitoring specific logs, analyzing unusual behavior, and correlating events across systems.
1. Monitor Lateral Movement Indicators
What to Look For:
Repeated Logon Attempts: Multiple successful logon events across different systems using the same credentials, especially during off-hours or from unexpected locations.
Key Event IDs:
Event ID 4624: Indicates successful logons.
Event ID 4648: Logs explicit credential use to access remote systems.
Red Flags: Accounts logging into systems they don’t typically access or sequential logons to multiple systems within a short timeframe.
2. Analyze Network Traffic
What to Look For:
Unusual Internal Traffic: Traffic between systems that do not typically communicate, such as endpoints suddenly connecting to servers or workstations in different departments.
Common Lateral Movement Protocols:
SMB (Server Message Block): Frequently used for file sharing but also exploited for lateral movement.
RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol): Often leveraged for remote access.
WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation): Common for executing commands remotely.
Analysis Tip: Compare current traffic patterns with historical baselines to identify deviations.
3. Investigate Use of Administrative Tools
What to Look For:
Specific Tools Used for Lateral Movement:
PsExec, wmic.exe, net.exe, or similar utilities.
Key Event IDs:
Event ID 4688: Tracks process creation, highlighting the use of administrative tools.
Red Flags: Processes initiated by tools commonly used for remote execution, especially if launched by non-administrative accounts or outside normal business hours.
4. Correlate with Security Logs
What to Do:
Integrate Logs Across Systems: Correlate system event logs with firewall, IDS/IPS, or SIEM logs to determine if the activity is part of a coordinated attack.
Check for Additional Indicators: External connections flagged by IDS/IPS that coincide with internal pivot activities.
Benefit: Correlating logs provides a holistic view of the attack, linking lateral movement to initial access or data exfiltration attempts.
5. Review Endpoint Logs
What to Look For:
Configuration Changes: Logs indicating modifications to firewall rules, user group memberships, or administrative settings.
Unauthorized Software Installation: Installation of backdoors, keyloggers, or other malicious software to facilitate further movement.
Red Flags: Unexpected changes on endpoints, especially those connected to high-value systems or sensitive data.
6. Response and Containment
Immediate Actions:
Isolate Affected Systems: Disconnect systems involved in the lateral movement to prevent further spread.
Rotate Credentials: Reset passwords for compromised accounts and enforce multifactor authentication (MFA).
Escalate to Incident Response Team: Engage the security team to assess the extent of the compromise and mitigate the threat.
Containment Tip: Ensure that the attacker’s foothold is removed before reconnecting systems to the network.
7. Post-Attack Analysis
What to Do:
Trace the Attack Path: Analyze logs to determine how the attacker moved within the network, including all affected systems.
Identify the Entry Point: Pinpoint where and how the attacker gained initial access (e.g., phishing, vulnerability exploitation).
Remediate Vulnerabilities: Patch exploited systems, improve access controls, and enhance monitoring tools.
Benefit: A thorough post-attack analysis ensures lessons are learned and helps prevent similar attacks in the future.
Conclusion
By combining log analysis, network traffic monitoring, and endpoint investigations, security teams can effectively identify and respond to internal pivot attacks. Early detection and swift containment are crucial to minimizing the impact of lateral movement on a network.
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